furiously. The house was aroused--doors were flung open--Priscilla
rushed from her room half dressed--and Innocent ran along the
corridor in her little white nightgown, her feet bare, and her
hair falling dishevelled over her shoulders.

"What is it?" she cried piteously--"Oh, do tell me! What is it?"

Robin Clifford, hearing the dog's persistent barking, had hastily
donned coat and trousers and now appeared on the scene.

"Hero, Hero!" he called--"Quiet, Hero!"

But Hero had bounded to his master Jocelyn's door and was pounding
against it with all the force of his big muscular body, apparently
seeking to push or break it open. Robin laid one hand on the
animal's collar and pulled him back--then tried the door himself--
it was locked.

"Uncle Hugo!"

There was no answer.

He turned to one of the frightened servants who were standing
near. His face was very pale.

"Fetch me a hammer," he said--"Something--anything that will force
the lock. Innocent!"--and with deep tenderness he took her little
cold hands in his own--"I wish you would go away!"

"Why?" and she looked at him with eyes full of terror. "Oh no, no!